Spiritual companionship (SC) or Spiritual Direction is a relationship that has been practiced for centuries, although it remains unfamiliar and mysterious to many people. Spiritual companionship is a place and space where “time is different”.  There is a slowing and an intentional process of listening to God with you on your behalf; as such there are typically times of silence. There are many resources that explain the history and purpose of SC, but one I find most helpful is offered here by Rev Bill Haley from Coracle in Quicksburg, VA:

“Spiritual direction… is the process whereby one person offers a listening, prayerful presence to another while they journey together with God.  The spiritual director is one who, most simply, walks alongside another person helping them listen to what God is saying in their lives and recognize God’s action.    In spiritual direction, it is more listening with God together than one person listening only to the other.  In a normal spiritual direction session, there is a lot of listening going on, listening to God and listening to each other.”

I experience being a spiritual companion as being a co-traveler on the pilgrimage of life, where I enjoy “sitting around the campfire,” hearing others share their experience of God/Love/Spirit on the journey that day.  I consider it a sacred gift to be invited to walk with another as they pay attention to where the experience of God’s presence, or seeming absence, helps lead to greater wholeness. 

Spiritual direction sessions typically last 60 minutes and can take place in person, online or by phone.  I have experience in using the Enneagram, trauma-informed care, inner healing prayer and various spiritual practices (such as lectio divina, centering prayer et al) which can be ways Spirit/God/Love may invite you to hear and notice God’s presence more clearly. If you would like to schedule an introductory session to decide if SD is a right next step for you, or with further questions, please feel free to contact me at sightinglight@gmail.com.